monocytic leukaemia
Last reviewed 01/2018
Monocytic leukaemia is a leukaemia in which the predominating leukocytes are monocytes.
It accounts for about 10% of acute myeloblastic leukaemia. Acute myeloblastic leukaemias primarily affect adults between the ages of 15 and 39 years. They constitute only 20% of childhood leukaemias. Acute myeloblastic leukaemias are extraordinarily heterogenous, reflecting the complexities of myeloid cell differentiation.
The results of organ infiltration by leukaemic cells - generalised lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly - are not characteristic of acute myeloid leukaemia. They are more characteristic of acute lymphoid leukaemia. Bone pain and bone tenderness are common manifestations.